Hawaii Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Hawaii LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Hawaii.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Hawaii LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Hawaii, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Hawaii Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Hawaii.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Hawaii Business Name Search or the Hawaii Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Hawaii Business Entity Search page
Hawaii Department of Commerce: Business & Documents Search
It's easy to use: Just type your preferred LLC name into the "Business Name" field and press Search.
Keep the Search Mode dropdown set to "Begins with…" to get the most accurate results. Avoid switching to "Contains", as it will yield a lot of unrelated results.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Hawaii LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
Hawaii Department of Commerce Contact Information
You can contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Hawaii representatives can guide you through the process of using the Hawaii Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Business Registration Division at 808-586-2727, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4:30 pm Hawaii Time.
Hawaii LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 428-105 of the Hawaii LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Hawaii business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Island Breeze Ventures LLC
- Island Breeze Ventures, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Hawaii LLC Names
Your Hawaii LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Hawaii Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Hawaii Department of Commerce: Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Exclusive Offer!
Hire a Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC for just $39 plus the state fee and receive a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Tropical Island Rentals LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Hawaii Business Name Search:
- Tropical Island Rentals, Inc.
- Tropical Island Rentals, Corp.
Adding Business Entity Suffixes
In Hawaii, you can't use suffixes to differentiate your LLC name from existing ones. The state's Department of Commerce refers to this rule as the "double use of business entity suffix or affix".
Suffixes such as:
- Partners
- Partnership
- Company
- Companies
do not make a name unique if they are added to an existing name.
For example, if you want to name your LLC "Lani's Fishing LLC", but "Lani's Fishing Inc." already exists, you cannot use this name.
The following variations also won't be accepted, as they don't distinguish themselves from "Lani's Fishing Inc":
- Lani's Fishing Partners LLC
- Lani's Fishing Company LLC
Instead, you'll need a name that adds more distinction. A name like "Lani's Ocean Fishing LLC" would be unique enough to be approved.
Filler Words
Adding non-essential or filler words does not make a name distinct.
The following common English filler words do not create uniqueness:
- a
- an
- and
- n (used for “and”)
- the
- of
- in
- at
- on
- to
- for
Similarly, these Hawaiian filler words do not create distinction:
- da
- ka
- ke
- na
- la
For example, if you want to use "Sun and Moon LLC", it will be unavailable if any of these names are already taken:
- The Sun and Moon LLC
- Sun Moon Inc.
- A Sun A Moon, Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ke Sun and Moon LLC
- Sun on Moon Corp.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Aloha Shore LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Aloha Shore LLC
- Aloha Shores Inc.
- Aloha Shore, Ltd.
Numerals or Spelled-Out Numbers
Using numbers in their numeral form instead of spelling them out (e.g., "seven" or "one hundred twenty-three") does not make a name unique. Similarly, Roman numerals (e.g., V for 5, MMXX for 2020) also do not provide distinguishability.
If your preferred LLC name is 25 Palms LLC, it will not be considered unique if any of the following names are registered:
- Twenty-Five Palms LLC
- Twenty 5 Palms Inc.
- XXV Palms Ltd. Liability Co.
Adding Sequential Numbers or Letters
Simply appending a number or letter to an existing business name does not create a unique name. For example, if your desired LLC name is Island Ventures LLC, and there is already an Island Ventures 1 LLC, you cannot use Island Ventures LLC or Island Ventures 2 LLC.
The same rule applies to sequential letters. If there's an existing business called Aloha Homes A Inc., you cannot register Aloha Homes B LLC.
Punctuation, Symbols, and Spaces
Inserting or removing punctuation, symbols, or spaces does not make a name distinguishable.
For example, if you want Tropical Breeze LLC, you cannot use the name if any of the following are already in use:
- Tropical-Breeze LLC
- Tropical/Breeze, Ltd. Liability Co.
- Tropical Breeze, L.L.C.
Phonetic Spelling
Phonetic variations of a name do not provide distinguishability. Hawaii's rules state that business names that sound alike can lead to confusion and are not considered unique.
If you wish to use Coastal Retreat LLC, it's unavailable if the following names are already registered:
- Coastal Retreet LLC
- Coastal Retreat Corp.
- Coastal Retreat Ltd. Co.
Abbreviation vs. Complete Name
Using an abbreviation instead of a full name (or vice versa) does not make a name unique. This also applies to common abbreviations (like "Inc." instead of "Incorporated").
If you want Island View Cafe LLC, it's not available if any of these names are found:
- ISLND View Cafe, L.C.
- Island View Cafes Ltd. Liability Co.
- Island View Cafe Inc.
Business Search for Abbreviations
If you plan to use an abbreviation or a term that is commonly abbreviated, make sure to search both the abbreviated form and the full term in the Business Entity Search.
For instance, if you want Hawaii Tours in your name, also check for HI Tours. Or if you are considering Education, search for Ed and Edu as well.
The Word “Hawaii”
Adding “Hawaii” or “HI” to a name does not create uniqueness. This applies regardless of whether you place “Hawaii” at the beginning or end of the name.
For instance, if your desired name is Serene Waves LLC, it's not available if any of the following are already in use:
- HI Serene Waves Inc.
- Hawaii Serene Waves Ltd. Liability Co.
- Serene Waves Hawaii LLC
How to Create Distinguishability in Hawaii
To ensure your business name is unique, aim for something completely original. This not only helps in avoiding conflicts but also prevents customer confusion.
However, if you're set on a particular name that is similar to an existing business, you might try these strategies:
Adding a Suffix, Prefix, or Affix
Modify the business name sufficiently to distinguish it. For example, if Ailani Creative Solutions LLC is taken, consider alternatives like:
- Ailani Creative Works LLC
- Ailani Design Solutions LLC
Changing Word Order
Rearranging the words in the name can also create distinction. If Black Coral Beach LLC is taken, you might use:
- Coral Beach Black LLC
- Beach Black Coral LLC
- Black Beach Coral LLC
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Hawaii Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Hawaii?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Hawaii. It’s considered an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can proceed directly by filing your LLC's Articles of Organization with your chosen name.
Does Hawaii require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Hawaii requires that your LLC name include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Hawaii LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your LLC in Hawaii. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you need to file a Trade Name Registration. This can be done online or by mail, and it requires an additional fee of $50 to the Department of Commerce. For more details, refer to the Department of Commerce Trade Name Guide. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC called Valley Isle Cruise Lines LLC but want to use a more appealing name like Valley Isle Cruises, you would need to file a Trade Name Registration to use the name Valley Isle Cruises. Without this registration, you are limited to using the legal name of Valley Isle Cruise Lines LLC.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's important to check if the domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names using platforms like GoDaddy.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique in the records of the Department of Commerce. This implies that if a business with your desired LLC name already exists, you cannot register your LLC with that name. For example, if you wish to name your LLC Kamehameha Landscapers LLC but there is already a Kamehameha Landscapers, Inc., you cannot use that name and must choose a different one.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. The name of your Hawaii LLC can be your company's brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (see the FAQ about DBAs above). Here are some tips for coming up with a name:
- Start by listing features and attributes you want your company to be associated with.
- Generate as many business name ideas as possible without judging them initially.
- Review the list and consider variations.
- Set the list aside and revisit it later with fresh eyes. Write down any new ideas that come to mind.
- Read through the list out loud and seek feedback from others.
- Repeat the process of reviewing and refining the list until you find the best name. If you’re still unsure, try closing your eyes and to count to 10—sometimes the best name will reveal itself.
Can I use the name of another Hawaii entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Hawaii business, regardless of entity type. This restriction applies even if the other entity is in a "delinquent" status. However, if a business is dissolved, its name becomes available, and you can form an LLC with that name.
How do I change my LLC name?
To change your LLC's name, you need to file an Amendment form with the Department of Commerce. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Hawaii are available.
How to start an LLC in Hawaii?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Hawaii:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a Hawaii Registered Agent.
- File the Hawaii LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Hawaii.